When Yasmin Abdullahi came to the United States, everything was new and different to her. Even something as simple as starting a conversation became an unfamiliar experience.

Yasmin grew up with her mother and younger brother in Nairobi, Kenya. Her parents divorced when she was young, and her father moved the United States with her sisters. In Kenya, Yasmin attended an all-girls boarding school, spent time with her extended family, and had a close group of friends.

When she was a teenager, Yasmin’s father wanted to bring her to the United States. He wanted a better education and a safer environment for his daughter. Yasmin agreed, and she made her way to Minnesota. She had a very difficult time transitioning into her new life. She had to adjust to a new school, a new culture, and family members she hadn’t seen in years. Yasmin left her mother and brother behind for a world completely foreign to her.

Since then, Yasmin’s life has improved. She has made new friends and currently attends Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault, Minnesota. After she graduates, Yasmin hopes to go to college and then to medical school. She wants to become a doctor and return to Kenya to help communities in need.